Ronnie Dale Atkins, Sr.

Ronnie Dale Atkins, Sr., age 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven on the morning of Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, Ronnie was the son of the late Lewis Morton and Virginia Alberta Taylor Atkins. He graduated from Huntington High School and went on to attend Marshall University before proudly joining the United States Marine Corps. Following his time in the military, Ronnie moved to California in 1962 where he began working in the glass industry. There, he served as Union President of the Glass Bottle Blower’s Association (the largest local union in the United States). In 1974, Ronnie’s career moved him and his family to Warner Robins, Georgia where he worked with Midland Glass, now called Anchor Glass Container Corporation. After retiring from Anchor Glass, he was an international consultant for several glass manufacturers.

In his free time, he enjoyed camping and fishing and riding his Harley. Ronnie also loved taking trips, especially to Italy and to Daytona (Ormond Beach). He hadn’t missed a Bike Week and Biketoberfest in 30 years. Bonaire Baptist was his church home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Randy Atkins and Janet Jester.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Linda W. Atkins of Perry; children, Ronnie D. Atkins, Jr. (Cheryl) of Yucaipa, California, Misty Atkins Gordon (John) of Monticello, Georgia, James Todd Atkins (Jolynn) of Ormond Beach, Florida, Tammy Knowland (Neal Fairchild) of Marshallville, Georgia, and Jimmy Shehee (Stacy) of Kathleen; grandchildren, Rusty Hrizuk, Rani Roberts, Taylor Callahan, Taylor Shehee, Halee Nelson, Ashlyn Gordon, Austin Atkins, Landon Shehee, Alyssa Atkins, Kelsey Shehee, and Skylar Atkins; great-grandchildren, Austin and Ethan Hrizuk, Emilyn Roberts, and Kennedy and Hendrix Callahan; siblings, Donna Atkins of Ormond Beach, Florida and Ricky Atkins (Dora) of Huntington, West Virginia; extended family, Monty and Judy Beverly and Bill Mashburn; and a number of adoring nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 23, 2018, from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Kenny Rodgers officiating. Following the service, Ronnie will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Mausoleum.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Atkins’ arrangements.